MOFGA’s Farmer-in-Residence Program

Live and farm at MOFGA’s (Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association) Common Ground Education Center in Unity, ME, as their farmer-in-residence—applications are now being accepted for the 2012-2013 seasons, deadline October 15, 2011:

MOFGA’s Farmer-in-Residence (F.I.R.) Program offers aspiring farmers committed to organic agriculture and public outreach the opportunity to live and farm at MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center in Unity, Maine. Farmers-in-Residence participate in MOFGA’s Journeyperson Program, which gives new and aspiring organic farmers access to the land, resources, and support they need to establish successful farm enterprises.

MOFGA’s property in Unity encompasses 250+ acres in predominantly agricultural Waldo County. In addition to hosting the Common Ground Country Fair every September, the land is home to MOFGA’s staff offices, a number of livestock barns, an exhibition hall, and an ecologically-designed farmhouse. The F.I.R. journeypersons have access to the farmhouse to use as a dwelling and headquarters for their farming activities. They also have access to MOFGA’s agricultural resource base with which to establish and develop their own farm businesses.

F.I.R. Journeypersons have a wide choice of the particular farming methods or techniques that they wish to use, provided that they comply with organic standards. Journeypersons in residence at MOFGA receive an annual stipend of $3,000 and are entitled to the proceeds from the sale of any farm products they raise or make. F.I.R. Journeypersons are expected to provide 16 hours of assistance each month with landscaping and grounds maintenance in addition to their own farming activities. The position generally lasts for 2 years, with the possibility of a mutually-agreed-upon extension.

Our Mission

Seacoast Eat Local connects people with sources of locally grown foods and advocates eating locally for the health of our environment, community, culture and economy. Through advocacy, organizing and education, we work toward a sustainable local food system that meets the needs of both producers and consumers.